[Harp-L] Groove

[Clayton Goldstein <clay@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob,

As far as defining what identifies genres of music you are probably accurate.
If you're trying to play "Blues" or create the emotional response "Blues" music
elicits, then playing a bit "behind" the groove is something to concentrate on.
If you're wondering why some blues players are getting "it" and others don't
seem to have the "feel" but the notes are correct, their relation to the groove
is a great place to look.

I always simplisticly thought The Rolling Stones tried to play Blues but
couldn't quite get it right...what they got instead, and went with, was Rolling
Stones music, which is pretty darn good and successfull in its own right.  My
guitarist is brilliant, yet seems less confident on Funk grooves since he grew
up a country/rockabilly guy.  I always make sure we play some funk every show,
to get him used to it but also I like hearing his Rockabilly-esq solo on top of
a funk groove; A blues phrased solo on top of a rockabilly groove.  When it's
intentional, when mixing these attitudes and one's relationship with the groove
are explored, that's when songwriting occurs and for me, makes it just plain
fun.

It's risky, it doesn't always work, but it's never "terrible" and if done with
joy and commitment we've found our audiences refreshed by the sight of
musician/entertainers/ trying to create something new for them tonight.  Of
course if it doesn't work as well, the next song better Rock!  That's our
challenge.  Of course, it's also fun to play Blues the way it's "meant" to be.

I agree, when I listen to musicans, solos and rythm work, they sometimes neglect
groove and especially DYNAMICS (using volume, loud and soft).

Dynamics, there's another topic I'm sure!

Clay

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